Basilica Cistern

Discover the hidden gem of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern, a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering, with a skip-the-line entry ticket and digital audio guide. Learn how this underground marvel was designed to sustain Constantinople's water needs, showcasing ancient ingenuity. Wander through its vast, shadowy expanse, lit by soft lights that dance off the water's surface, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Take a captivating journey into the depths of history with detailed narratives and historical context from your digital guide. Marvel at the 336 marble columns rising from the depths, each telling a story of civilizations past. Among these, admire the enigmatic Medusa heads whose origins are shrouded in mystery and myth. As you step into a world where history, architecture, and legend, soak in the tranquility of this underground wonder, away from the city's hustle. Let the cool, echoing chambers enthrall you, as you explore one of Istanbul's most unforgettable sights. At night, enjoy musical delights with surprise concerts on select evenings from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Amidst ancient wonders, you might stumble upon a concert, blending the allure of history with the beauty of art in a mesmerizing experience.

Explore the striking Basilica Cistern during your visit to Istanbul. Journey beneath the earth's surface and admire the distinctive architecture while listening to an audio guide that will give you insights into the history of this place. Journey back in time and discover the ancient Byzantine Empire. Make your way down the stairs and discover the Basilica Cistern beneath the streets of Istanbul. Wander through the ancient structure and admire the architecture and ornamentation including Medusa heads from Greek mythology. As you listen to the audio guide, learn more about the Basilica Cistern's fascinating history. Stay inside for as long as you want and take some great photos of one of the top attractions in Istanbul.

A captivating exploration of Istanbul's rich heritage with our exclusive combo ticket, providing access to both the iconic Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. Roam freely through the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, a living testament to centuries of history, and marvel at the intricate details of Byzantine craftsmanship. Our combo ticket grants you flexibility, remaining valid for an impressive 3 days from the date of your first use. Explore Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern at your pace, spanning multiple days for a comprehensive Istanbul experience.

Start your adventure in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City at Sultanahmet Square, where history comes alive. First, visit the ancient Hippodrome, where people once gathered to watch thrilling chariot races. Stroll by the beautiful German Fountain and take in the unique charm and vibrant energy of this historic area. Next, step inside the breathtaking Blue Mosque, named for the stunning blue tiles that fill its walls with a peaceful glow. Look up at its towering dome and six tall minarets, and hear stories of its long and fascinating past that make this mosque one of Istanbul’s greatest treasures. Your journey then takes you underground to the Basilica Cistern, an ancient water storage area from the Byzantine era. Walk among rows of towering marble columns reflected in the water below, creating a magical scene. Don’t miss the famous Medusa head columns, which add a touch of mystery to this hidden gem. Then, explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a grand building that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum over the centuries. Inside, marvel at the huge domes, detailed mosaics, and the mix of Christian and Islamic art that makes this place so unique. Learn about the many changes Hagia Sophia has gone through and how it remains a powerful symbol of Istanbul’s history. As you end your tour, you’ll carry with you the unforgettable stories and beauty of Istanbul’s Old City, with its rich past still shining through every corner. (Entry fee for Hagia Sophia not included in the price. The entry fee is 30 Euro).

Admire the architecture and delve deeper into the history of this remarkable structure as you navigate through its intriguing spaces. Delve into the enigmatic depths of this subterranean marvel, once a vital lifeline for the inhabitants of Constantinople. Traverse softly illuminated chambers and be captivated by the spectacle of 336 grand columns, some adorned with the entrancing gaze of the legendary Medusa. Embark on a subterranean journey beneath the streets of Istanbul to uncover one of its foremost attractions.

Join a guided tour to discover Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. Benefit from priority admission at the museum ticket offices led by your efficient guide. Meet your guide in the Sultanahmet neighborhood at an easy spot and check out Istanbul's greatest monuments on a walking tour. Start with the Basilica Cistern, wander around the “Subterranean Palace” and learn about its history. See the underground pillars and learn about Byzantine architecture. Walk on the wooden walkways over the water until the famous upside-down Medusa heads. Next, visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-reserved tickets and witness the most significant site of the Greek Orthodox religion in Istanbul and learn how it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Explore the stunning monument with elements of a mosque and a church standing next to each other. Admire the basilica’s stunning dome, minarets, and countless mosaics, paintings, and Roman columns. Learn how the impressive İznik tiles were added over time in the Mosque, how the stunning Virgin Mary mosaic was made, and why the Ottomans chose to bury their sultans in the courtyard. Continue to Topkapi Palace to explore the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. Enter the famous palace with priority admission tickets and discover the complex of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards. Explore the outer-terraced gardens and admire the view over the Golden Horn. Choose to visit the Harem with your included tickets at your leisure. Admire cupboard doors inlaid with mother of pearl and tortoiseshell and stunning Iznik tiles with verses from the Quran. End your with a visit to the holy relics and the imperial kitchens.

Immerse yourself in the ancient ambience of Istanbul's Acemoglu Hammam, a 15th-century Turkish bath built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed. Choose between public, semi-private, and private baths, then indulge in clay mask, body scrub, and foam treatments. Treat yourself to an optional massage afterward. Make your own way to the Turkish baths, which are conveniently located in Istanbul's Old City, just a short distance from famous landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern. Upon arrival at Acemoglu Hammam, take advantage of one of the rare mixed-gender baths in Turkey for couples, families and friends to enjoy together. Step back in time to the days of the Ottoman Empire, where you can feel like royalty in public, semi-private, or private baths. Then, rejuvenate yourself with a historical tradition of bathing combined with a full-body clay mask, foaming, and body scrub (kese). The clay mask will be applied because it has many benefits, especially for the skin, due to its abundance of natural minerals. Once the clay mask has been applied, feel the relief using as the kese scrubs away the toxic substances accumulated in your skin. After the kese treatment, enjoy a traditional bubble wash ritual and relaxing full-body foaming. For the full indulgent package, include a massage after your spa treatments. Sense your body and soul completely relax as you are massaged for 30 minutes before your hammam experience ends.

Meet your guide in the heart of the Old City for a stress-free sightseeing experience on this tour of 3 of Istanbul's most emblematic landmarks. Step inside the Blue Mosque to admire its architecture and renowned blue Iznik tiles while learning about Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, Islam, and Istanbul's rich history. Next, at the Basilica Cistern, skip the ticket lines and uncover the subterranean marvels beneath Istanbul's streets. Wander through the ancient water cistern, checking out its architecture and the Medusa heads from Greek mythology. Then explore Istanbul's Old City, seeing treasures such as the Million Stone and the Hippodrome, a circus that once served as the social and sporting center of Constantinople. Admire the exterior of the Hagia Sophia and gain fascinating insights into this 2,000-year-old landmark. Before concluding the tour, your guide will provide you with skip-the-line tickets and an audio guide for Hagia Sophia, allowing you to explore the interior of this world-famous structure at your own pace.

Step into the magical depths of the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most mysterious and captivating landmarks. Hidden beneath the bustling streets, this ancient underground marvel invites you to explore a world unlike any other. As you descend into its cool, dimly lit chambers, you'll be surrounded by towering columns that seem to rise endlessly from the water below, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Each step takes you deeper into the history of Istanbul, a city where East meets West, and stories of empires linger in every corner. The Cistern, with its maze of columns and arches, holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. Discover the haunting beauty of the Medusa heads, whose origins are still debated by historians, and feel the air of mystery that surrounds them. The sound of dripping water echoes softly, enhancing the sense of tranquility and intrigue. This is more than just a historic site; it’s a portal to a hidden past that will leave you in awe long after your visit ends. Are you ready to uncover its secrets?

Istanbul: Best of The City Full-Day Tour with Transfers offers a personalized or shared experience for visitors who want to explore the city's top attractions with a dedicated guide. Learn about the historical development of the city under the Roman Empire and Ottoman Empire on a private tour. Compare the different cultures and religions of these empires while exploring iconic Istanbul sights like Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Travel stress-free with private roundtrip transportation. Enjoy unhurried visits to the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Visit the famous Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, due to its unique interior decoration of blue royal Iznik tiles. At the Hippodrome, see where the Romans used to organize chariot races and gladiators' fights. Admire its remaining Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column, and German Fountain. Finish your day by learning about Turkish handicrafts at the famous Grand Bazaar and its 4,000 shops (replaced with the Arasta Baazar or the Spice Bazaar on Sundays). With your private guide leading the way, there's no chance of getting lost in the bazaar. This tour is a good start for first-time visitors to Istanbul. You'll gain a good idea of the past, present, and future of Istanbul while visiting some of the city's must-see sights and monuments. You can pause the tour at any point to ask questions. •Visit the famous Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. The mosque is known for its stunning architecture, with its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles adorning the interior, which give it the nickname "Blue Mosque." •Discover Topkapi Palace which is a grand and historically significant palace located in Istanbul. It served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Visit the exhibition of Treasury, cloths and weapons also Holy relics • Experience The Hagia Sophia, a famous historic building located in oldtown Istanbul. It was originally built as the biggest cathedral in the world by Byzantine Empire in the 6th century and later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. •See the Basilica Cistern visited by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Impresive Roman empire structure as featured in Dan Brown's novel, "Inferno" and James Bond "From Russia with Love" •Finalize the day at the famous Grand Bazaar with 4000 shops. • Get the personalized experience of a private tour • Taste the local good food ( meat/vegetarian/dessert) • Discover Turkish handicrafts • Highly Recommended for Outstanding Photo Shoots • Recommeneded Activity to Experience The Full Taste of Istanbul's rich history and Culture in a short amount of time Option 1- Guided Tour- Istanbul : Best of The City Full-Day Tour with Transfers Option 2- Private Tour-Istanbul : Best of The City Full-Day Tour with Transfers